Prayers And Cola!
Mosque and Coca Cola Sign
I snapped this image at the end of a long walk as I was returning to my lodgings in Ortahisar. It seemed to show so much about rural Turkey.
In the background there is a modern mosque imposing itself upon the skyline. A few moments after taking this photograph I walked past it and from inside heard the most uplifting sound of the priest at his prayers. I could tell they came from the heart and are amongst the sweetest sounds I have heard. Certainly they seemed less pompous than many of the chants and hymns of other religions.
Unfortunately many mosques, including this one, broadcast prayers, and accompanying roger beeps, on over-amplified, inferior public address equipment, thus obscuring the diction and creating a kind of pastiche of a beautiful spiritual experience.
Before the mosque, and clearly visible, there is a Coca Cola sign. Coke is, of course, permissible as a drink even for devout Muslims since the sugary drink contains no alcohol or, these days, other stimulants. On the other hand, aside from Old Glory, it must be the principal signifier of worldwide American influence.
Also, dating the image somewhat, a T.V. satelite dish is evident. No doubt it connects a household to the world of Ankara, and US, politics as well as game shows and the world of Ibo!
The street itself knows nothing of religion, nor cola and game shows, but unselfconsciously stands as-it-is ~ poor but proud.
